Responses to responses

Long overdue is a response to your questions and statements. Me_First asked why Nate Davis, who played so well in the preseason, and was a favorite of our anonymous scout, lasted into the fifth round. Most teams were probably scared off by his learning disability. The 49ers apparently spent more than 15 hours with him and were convinced he could learn a pro offense. They’ve also made special provisions for him such as running pass and run sets with the offense after practice so he can visualize plays. For his part, Davis said he hopes to learn the offense by the end of his rookie season.

The choosing of Davis and the special provisions the organization made for him showed a foresight lacking in most organizations. Most teams probably figured he wasn’t worth the hassle. But they not only recognized his talent but were organized enough to put a program in place for his learning style.

Shame or sham if Michael Crabtree never signs with the 49ers.

It’s one of three signs this year that the 49ers are truly changing. The others are the recognition of former owner Eddie DeBartolo and the expansion of the team’s Santa Clara facility. Eddie will be honored Sunday at the team’s home opener against Seattle as the first inductee into the 49ers Hall of Fame, something that never would have happened under John York’s exclusive rule. Many dismiss Eddie as just an owner who bought himself a couple of championships with his profligate ways. But Eddie first had to hire people and instill a championship culture, which he did with the hirings of Bill Walsh, John McVay and Carmen Policy. He also splurged on his players and made sure the 49ers were the NFL’s Shangri-La. Other owners have tried the same approach (Jerry Jones minus Jimmy Johnson, Mark Cuban in the NBA) and they’ve failed.

The expansion of the team’s Santa Clara digs is something Eddie surely would have backed. The capacious player lounge with the five big screens, video games, computers, massage chairs could be a harbinger of a bright future and a partial return to the Eddie Way.

Vkkv asked about players drafted in the third round and below and says they all backups, even if they make the team. The middle rounds is where a organization becomes a winner, just look at the Niners’ past: Tom Rathman (third round), Tim McKyer (third), John Taylor (third), Charles Haley (fourth), Steve Wallace (fourth), Kevin Fagan (fourth), Don Griffin (sixth) and all those players came in just the 1986 draft.

Unca_Chuck writes the 49ers could get a first- and third-rounder for Michael Crabtree; they’d be lucky to get a first-rounder for him. His holdout has damaged his image with a lot of teams and I’m not sure he would have gone as high as he thinks. He could have been one of those players that dropped because of his attitude, his lack of speed and his origins in the spread offense.

However, I did talk to another NFL type and also the Texas Tech play-by-play announcer recently. The NFL guy said Crabtree has rare ball skills with his hands and ability to adjust to the ball in the air. He’s also 214 pounds and would fit the 49ers of old, who were constantly hunting for big receivers. Brian Jensen, who does the Red Raiders play-by-play, said that Crabtree lit up the field from the moment he stepped upon the Texas Tech practice facility as a redshirt freshman.

Crabtree at least owes the 49ers a face-to-face before he continues the drastic course he’s chosen.